INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has proposed that Sri Lanka should adopt the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) outlook of the
Indo-Pacific as two distinct oceans and prioritize freedom of navigation and undersea cables in the Indian Ocean.Delivering the keynote
address at the 11th edition of the Galle Dialogue; International Maritime Conference, which aims to strengthen regional maritime cooperation
commending the Navy for recommencing the Galle Dialogue after the COVID-19 break
He emphasized the importance of rethinking the focus of the Galle Dialogue in light of the changes brought about by the pandemic.The
President pointed out that the focus should primarily be on the Indian Ocean and its surrounding areas
He acknowledged the role of Dr
Ram Madhav, a pioneer of the Indian Ocean Conference, in drawing attention to the region
President Wickremesinghe highlighted the uniqueness of the Indian Ocean as a civilization rather than a construct, emphasizing its rich
history, diverse cultures and religious significance.He then discussed various global constructs, such as the Asia Pacific, the Belt and
He stressed that the Indian Ocean represents a political entity, given its history and role in recognizing non-European sectors of the world
as colonialism collapsed.The President also discussed the economic significance of the Indian Ocean, predicting that development would shift
from East Asia and the Asia Pacific to the Indian Ocean, India, Bangladesh, and Africa
Trincomalee and Hambantota
He urged a long-term perspective on these developments and their global implications.The President also discussed the changing dynamics in
sports and noted that various nations from this region are expanding their influence in cricket and football
He emphasized the interconnectedness between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.In conclusion, President Wickremesinghe proposed that
Sri Lanka should adopt the ASEAN outlook of the Indo-Pacific as two distinct oceans and prioritize freedom of navigation and undersea cables
He acknowledged that the emerging order could rapidly change due to global events and emphasized the need for wise leadership and diplomacy
in global politics, culture and economics and its role in shaping the emerging new order in the region.Meanwhile, during his speech at the
Ram Madhav, President of India Foundation, addressed the current global transformation, noting the emergence of a new world order following
He described this new order as multipolar and heteropolar, emphasizing that non-state actors, including tech giants, global agencies, NGOs,
transnational terror groups and spiritual and religious movements, would have a significant influence on people and nations.Dr
Madhav also expressed his condolences for those affected by the conflicts in Eastern Europe and West Asia
President Ranil Wickremesinghe on assuming the Chairmanship of IORA, with India as the Vice Chair
Madhav emphasized the importance of developing IORA as a platform for promoting sustainable development, economic growth and stability in
the region and he called for a commitment to creating a free, open and inclusive region guided by the rule of law, where sea lines are not
used for piracy, overexploitation, or terrorism
distinct identity and role in the emerging world order.Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of State for
Defence Pramita Bandara Tennakoon, Governor of the Southern Province Willy Gamage, Senior Adviser to the President on National Security and
Chief of Staff to the President Sagala Ratnayaka, Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne (Rtd), Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra
Silva, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Army Commander Lt
Vikum Liyanage, former Navy Commanders and other senior officers of the Navy attended the event.
